12 reasons why World Autism Day matters

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1) Because 1 in 88 children are diagnosed with autism each year.( 1 in 54 of those children are boys) So chances are that you know at least one family who is affected by autism. How familiar are you with how autism affects that family?

2) Because 99% of the people who find out that my son has autism tell me that they’ve heard that “they” are all brilliant. I don’t begrudge them. Autism is complicated and even though I have been involved in the autism world for a quarter of a century, I still have a lot to learn. HERE are some basics.

3) Because of my son’s teachers and therapists, and how incredibly generous they are to devote their lives to our kids. Their hard work and dedication needs to be acknowledged.

4) Because of my friends. They have been so supportive of me and over the top kind to Matthew. Several of them receive daily calls from Matthew–he calls just to talk–and they talk to him even when they are tired and grumpy. When I thank them, they assure me that they thoroughly enjoy their conversations with Matthew.

5) Because of Matthew’s childhood friends who went on to become special education teachers.

6) Because of my son’s Andy and John. It is not easy to be Matthew’s brother, but they treat him with dignity. They are patient and good humored with him and they make him laugh. They have taught their peers about tolerance.

7) Because of my neighbors and my community. They welcome Matthew when he comes home for a visit, they let him work in their yards, and they cheer for him when he sings karaoke at the Round Up Saloon.

9) Because of doctors like Lucy Crain, Clarissa Kripke, Mary Beth Steinfeld,Mary Patz, Linda Cozzarelli, Brian Feldman, Richard Oken, Glenn Saltz, Susan Fair, Troy Lauritzen and there are many many more, too many to mention. They have also dedicated their lives to our kids, and I am grateful.

10) For autism advocates who have autism themselves, and give parents like me a hopeful perspective.

11) For parents, grandparents,brothers, sisters, extended family and friends.

12)For individuals like my son Matthew who try so hard to fit in. I believe if people were aware of his individual challenges, they would want to know more, and they want to help.